The Pip Berry Tree

background

Friday, April 23, 2010

Anyone who has been crafting long enough has most likely tried their luck selling at a craft shows. I myself have rented space at different venues over the years, and for the most made out just fine, and have met some very nice people along the way.

But what is a gal to do when the craft show is a bust? So far I've been lucky enough to have only endured two craft shows like that. The last being this past Sunday.

Okay, the economy is still bad, so that is working against all of us. The show was at a local high school that I knew nothing about except that the folks have been running the craft show for several years now. The spaces were tiny...ugh. Nothing like being crammed in and having neighbors who don't respect your space.

Speaking of neighbors, have you ever had to deal with a neighboring vendor who talks to you the WHOLE time. No. not talks to you, but talks "at" you regardless of whether you have customers or not. Short of keeping your back to the neighbor, or saying, "Listen...I really am trying to work here." What else can a gal do?

Craft shows are hit or miss...we all know that, but it's good to know how to handle certain situations (like the ones I've mention) before hand this way even in a bad economy we can draw customers into our space and hopefully make a sale. So here's are some of things I try to do to at least have a shot at making the craft shows I attend profitable.

1) Make sure my area is clean, aesthetically pleasing to the eye and appealing as possible, and have everything priced clearly.

2) Smile and greet everyone who walks up to my space then let them know I am available if they need my help, but then step back and give them space to shop.

3) Be polite and courteous to my neighbors around me, and DON'T intrude on their space of talk their ear off.

4) Always have a drawing for a free item, this way I can build a mailing list of customers.

5) Never leave the show early, because someone may buy at the very end.

What are some of your tips or suggestions to make a craft show as successful as possible? Have you ever sold at a show where you didn't make one sale or had a pesty or intrusive neighbor? How did you handle it? Do you still do craft shows, or have you given them up for good? If so how do you sell your products?

Saturday, April 10, 2010

I realize spring has already sprung, but here in Northeastern Pa we are just now starting to see the rebirth of trees, grass, and flowers, and oh what a glorious time of the year it is.

For me, with the melting of the snow, the thawing of the lakes, and the buzzing of the birds and bees comes the desire to shed the coat and gloves and get out side to do some gardening, and I can't wait to get started.

So far, I've pruned the apple trees, planted some wild flowers and a small herb garden, and have all my flower and vegetable seeds organized as to when I can start to plant and where.

As for the vegetable garden...this is my first time taking a whack at it. I am both excited at the prospect of having a bountiful harvest, and a little worried that I will kill the produce before it even beings. It's definitely going to be a trial and error experiment, but I am determined.

If you are an experienced vegetable gardener and have any helpful hints or words of a advice for me I would be most appreciative. :)

clock

twitter button

About Me

I am a mother of five wonderful children, two of which service our country in the Army, and a Mom Mom of one lovely little boy. I have been married for 14 years to a terrific man, have three beautiful German Shepherds that I am absolutely crazy about, and volunteer for a German Shepherd rescue, and a low cost spay and neuter clinic. I live in a beautiful log home on 5 acres and am surrounded by glorious woods, rolling meadows, and peaceful lakes. It is heaven on earth here in the Pocono Mountains.